Anthony Rendon broke a tie with an RBI double and pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick added a two-run double two batters later as the Washington Nationals scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to escape with a 5-2 win over the visiting Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon.

The win allowed the Nationals to take two of three in the series and complete a 5-1 homestand. Meanwhile, the Royals lost for the sixth time in their last seven games.

After Kansas City had rallied into a 2-2 tie in the top of the inning, Adam Eaton got the bottom of the eighth rolling for the Nationals with a one-out single against Jake Diekman (0-6).

Rendon followed with his double to give Washington the lead.

After an error on Diekman put runners on first and third with still just one out, Kendrick laced his pinch-hit double to left field, extending the lead to 5-2.

Sean Doolittle (6-2), who allowed a game-tying double to Alex Gordon in the top of the eighth, was credited with the win after being dinged with his fourth blown save.

Solo home runs by Brian Dozier, his 14th, and Victor Robles (13th) gave the Nationals a 2-0 lead headed into the eighth.

But Washington pulled starter Patrick Corbin at that point, and the Royals rallied against the Nationals' bullpen.

A two-out, run-scoring single by Adalberto Mondesi off Fernando Rodney got the Royals within 2-1 and brought on Doolittle, who then served up the game-tying double to Gordon.

Doolittle, who was seeking his 20th save, retired Hunter Dozier with the potential go-ahead run on base to end the eighth, then worked around a Cheslor Cuthbert one-out single in the ninth to preserve his own win.

Seeking a third straight win, Corbin shut out the Royals on five hits over seven innings. He struck out 11 and did not walk a batter.

The left-hander finished the first half with four straight outstanding starts, allowing a total of three runs and 18 hits in 28 innings, with 35 strikeouts.

Like Corbin, Royals right-hander Jakob Junis did not get a decision after a strong effort. He was charged with two runs on five hits in seven innings. He walked two and struck out six.

Robles had two hits for the Nationals, who finished the first half winning six of seven and 10 of 12 to go a season-best five games over .500 at 47-42.

Gordon and Cuthbert had two hits apiece for the Royals, who out-hit the Nationals 9-8.

--Field Level Media